Top 10 Best Folk Rock Artists

Folk rock comes from, as you might expect, folk music. The genre took off in the 1960s, blending traditional folk storytelling with rock instrumentation. While folk music had long been a part of American and British culture, it wasn't until The Animals released House of the Rising Sun in 1964 that the sound broke into mainstream rock. Their version of the old folk ballad, with its electric guitar and dramatic intensity, set the stage for a wave of artists who would define the style.

Shortly after, Bob Dylan famously plugged in his guitar, further cementing folk rock as a movement that pushed boundaries and challenged expectations.

From poetic singer-songwriters to bands that reworked traditional folk influences into modern rock, folk rock has produced some of the most celebrated artists in music history. Some focused on political and social themes, while others turned inward, exploring personal struggles and emotions. The style has evolved over the decades, incorporating new sounds and approaches while keeping its storytelling roots intact.

Who are the greatest folk rock artists? Cast your vote for the names you believe deserve the top spots.

1. Bob Dylan

   

   Bob Dylan is an American singer-songwriter, author, and artist who has been an influential figure in popular music and culture for more than five decades. He gained fame in the 1960s with songs that became anthems for the civil rights and anti-war movements. In 2016, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in... read more

   Knockin' on Heaven's Door, All Along the Watchtower, Chimes of Freedom. Bob Dylan was more than a folk rock artist. His music influenced so many significant artists that some people don't even know that it was originally his music. Bob Dylan is a genius.

   Each of his songs bears depth in lyrics with a simple but beautiful tune. His songs can swing your mood better than anything. Such beauty, such composure! The best folk rock artist ever born!

   Masters of War, Make You Feel My Love, All Along the Watchtower, all amazing songs that stir something inside you. The guy knew how to get a message across. He's the best and always will be.

2. Neil Young

   

   Neil Percival Young is a Canadian singer-songwriter, musician, producer, director, and screenwriter. He gained fame both as a solo artist and as a member of bands like Buffalo Springfield and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. Known for hits such as Heart of Gold and Rockin' in the Free World, Young is also... read more

   Neil Young is brilliant. He is one of the only musicians who capture the real essence of emotion in his songs. You can connect Heart of Gold with loss and Are You Ready for the Country with hope. He is also quite funny. One of the truly great folk artists. He and Dylan are #1 for me because I can't choose which is better.

   Neil is the best singer-songwriter after Dylan. In addition to folk and folk rock, he dabbled in many genres and styles (some not so good). Neil and his band Crazy Horse rocked very hard without losing control, and sometimes they could also be tender and soft (Barstool Blues, Pardon My Heart). They also paved the way to grunge. With such a pedigree, including CSNY, he must be the most versatile artist ever.

3. Simon & Garfunkel

   

   Simon and Garfunkel were an American folk rock duo composed of singer-songwriter Paul Simon and singer Art Garfunkel. They rose to fame in the 1960s with hits like The Sound of Silence, Mrs. Robinson, and Bridge Over Troubled Water. The duo is known for their harmonious vocals and socially conscious... read more

   This band does not have a bad song. Paul Simon is an amazing songwriter, writing every song they made. "The Sound of Silence" is a deep song with amazing lyrics. "Bridge Over Troubled Water" is such an inspirational song. Don't forget "Homeward Bound," "Cecilia," "Scarborough Fair," and "Mrs. Robinson." There is something for everyone.

   Go on YouTube and search for the song "Bridge Over Troubled Water." It is a song filled with beauty and wonder. Paul Simon was one of the greatest songwriters, and Art Garfunkel has such an amazing voice.

4. Mumford and Sons

   

   Mumford & Sons is a British indie folk band formed in London in 2007. The band includes Marcus Mumford, Ben Lovett, Winston Marshall, and Ted Dwane. They rose to prominence with their debut album Sigh No More and became known for their energetic live performances and folk-influenced sound.

   Mumford and Sons is the best folk rock band of all time because of their musical genius, style, poetic and meaningful lyrics, and a sound that appeals to all. They are the modern-day saviors of this genre of folk rock music! They have revitalized the music industry!

   They are the best in the current scenario because they learned from Bob Dylan. Their second album, "Babel," won the Album of the Year award at the prestigious 2013 Grammy Awards.

   You must take time and be patient with their songs, but the more you hear each one, the more amazing and perfect they sound. I promise!

5. Nick Drake

   

   Nicholas Rodney "Nick" Drake (June 19, 1948 - November 25, 1974) was an English singer-songwriter and musician known for his acoustic guitar-based songs. He released three studio albums during his lifetime, but they sold poorly and received little attention. His work gained significant recognition posthumously... read more

   A poor, talented soul who deserved much more during his lifetime.

   Such a beautiful voice. I could listen to him all day.

6. The Byrds

   

   The Byrds were an American rock band formed in Los Angeles, California in 1964. They achieved early commercial success and played a significant role in popularizing folk rock. While they did not maintain the same level of popularity as the Beatles or the Rolling Stones, their influence on 1960s rock... read more

   The Byrds perhaps have the most influence on the rock music scene next to the Beatles. In addition to kick-starting folk rock, they pioneered psychedelic rock and country rock. Sometimes they are unfairly dismissed as a has-been band (starting from Dr. Byrds), but they did come up with a couple of great albums subsequently.

   Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers and R.E.M. made huge careers based on the signature folk rock of the Byrds. The Byrds also influenced almost the entire lot of alt-country bands (listen to Jayhawks and Uncle Tupelo) and paved the way to the Americana genre. Their influence on psychedelic rock is second only to the Beatles (e.g., The Brian Jonestown Massacre, The Quarter After, The Temples).

7. Leonard Cohen

   

   Leonard Norman Cohen was a Canadian singer-songwriter, poet, and novelist. His work explored themes such as religion, politics, isolation, sexuality, and personal relationships. Cohen passed away on November 7, 2016, at the age of 82, shortly after releasing his final album, You Want It Darker.

   Leonard Cohen deserves to be at the top of this list! He might have changed his style a bit in his later albums, but his folk rock songs are the best ever! His lyrics, his voice, his music, and the connection between them are just amazing!

   Leonard was nothing short of incredible, amazing, and wonderful. He was a special man who will be missed and continued to be loved by his true fans.

8. Joni Mitchell

   

   Roberta Joan Mitchell, professionally known as Joni Mitchell, is a Canadian singer-songwriter. Drawing from folk, pop, rock, and jazz, Mitchell's songs often reflect social and environmental ideals as well as her feelings about romance, confusion, disillusionment, and joy. Her 1971 album Blue is frequently... read more

   Poetry and great melodies. Songwriter's songwriter. God bless you for all those great albums. If you can only listen to one album to understand Joni Mitchell, listen to Travelogue.

   The album Blue is one of the best albums of all time regardless of genre. The songwriting is superb. Joni is right up there with Bob and Neil as well as James and Carole!

   Brilliant. She should be in the top 3.

9. The Band

   

   The Band was a Canadian-American roots rock group formed in 1965. It originally consisted of Rick Danko (bass guitar, double bass, fiddle, vocals), Levon Helm (drums, mandolin, guitar, vocals), Garth Hudson (keyboards, saxophones, trumpet), Richard Manuel (piano, drums, vocals), and Robbie Robertson... read more

10. Cat Stevens

    

    Yusuf Islam, who was formerly known by his stage name Cat Stevens, is a British singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. He is also recognized for his humanitarian efforts and educational philanthropy. Stevens gained international fame in the 1970s with hits such as Wild World and Father and Son... read more

    Absolutely. Creativity abounds from this man. If only that incident in the ocean never happened, who knows how many more great Stevens albums we would have had. I just discovered him at the age of 31 this year and only wish I knew of him earlier, before his 2016 tour, so I could have gone to see him live.

    Where is Cat? He is always forgotten because he converted to Islam and changed his name, but back in his reign, during the '70s, he wrote some of the greatest songs of all time, including Peace Train, Wild World, Foreigner Suite, Moonshadow, and many more.

The Newcomers
11. ?

    Tom Petty

    

    Thomas Earl "Tom" Petty was an American musician, singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and record producer. He was best known as the lead vocalist of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. Petty also co-founded the supergroup Traveling Wilburys and the band Mudcrutch.

    Tom Petty's voice and songwriting are like no other. What an inspiration.

12. ?

    Levellers

    

    I'm not surprised the Levellers weren't on the list. Most TheTopTenners have never heard of them.

    But check them out - they are a really good folk rock band from the '90s.

The Contenders

13. Crosby, Stills, and Nash

    

    Crosby, Stills & Nash were an American-British-Canadian folk rock supergroup composed of David Crosby, Stephen Stills, and Graham Nash. When joined by Canadian singer-songwriter Neil Young, they performed as Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. The group was known for their intricate vocal harmonies, political... read more

    The best harmony band ever. Everyone knows about Young, but Stills was very good on guitar, particularly the acoustic, in addition to being a very good songwriter and a great vocalist. Crosby and Nash blended in with perfect harmonies while often contributing some brilliant songs. However, most of their later albums were disappointing.

    Some of the greatest harmonies ever. Crosby from The Byrds, Stills from Buffalo Springfield (and later Neil Young), and Graham Nash from The Hollies. Suite: Judy Blue Eyes, written for Judy Collins, is particularly amazing.

14. The Animals

    

    The Animals are a 1960s English rock band formed in Newcastle upon Tyne during the early part of the decade. They became known for their gritty, blues-influenced sound and hits like House of the Rising Sun and Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood. The band was part of the British Invasion of the United States... read more

    The Animals were everything. They could play blues, rock, folk, anything. They certainly deserve a higher spot.

15. Jim Croce

    

    James Joseph Croce was an American folk and rock singer-songwriter. Between 1966 and 1973, he released five studio albums and a number of singles. His songs "Bad, Bad Leroy Brown" and "Time in a Bottle" both reached No. 1 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart.

16. The Mamas & the Papas

    

    The Mamas & the Papas were an American folk rock vocal group formed in Los Angeles, California, who recorded and performed from 1965 to 1968. The group was a defining force in the music scene of the 1960s counterculture. The members were Americans John Phillips, Cass Elliot, and Michelle Phillips, and... read more

    Love this group so much! I grew up watching Denny as the Harbour Master on Theodore Tugboat.

    Kinda poppy, but still, they had great harmonies.

    My all-time favorite band! So much talent.

17. James Taylor

    

    James Vernon Taylor is an American singer-songwriter and guitarist. A five-time Grammy Award winner, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2000. He's one of the best-selling artists of all time, with more than 100 million records sold worldwide.

    For me, his music is more of a mixture of folk rock and soft rock, as he is basically in the same boat as Jackson Browne or Dan Fogelberg (I still have Saturate Before Using and Phoenix on vinyl). But James Taylor pretty much embodied '70s folk rock for me. His albums, such as Sweet Baby James and Mud Slide Slim and the Blue Horizon, deserve a lot more listens, in my opinion.

    James grew up in Chapel Hill, NC, and was blessed to be part of a very musical family, including his father, who was Dean of the Medical School at UNC. Obviously, he became the most celebrated musical member of the family and is so deserving of being on this list. I dare say he should be in the top 5!

18. Syd Barrett

    

    Roger Keith Barrett was an English musician, composer, singer, songwriter, and painter. He was a founding member of the band Pink Floyd and served as their original lead singer, guitarist, and principal songwriter. Barrett is also credited with naming the band and was influential in the early psychedelic... read more

    After he was with Pink Floyd, he started folk music. You can hear the folk rock in songs like The Gnome and Bike. Great folk music. Great musician.

    A true genius. He constructed music so well, and his lyrics were just majestic. A real individual. There'll never be anyone like him again.

    I would have voted for Neil Young, but then I saw Syd. This man is truly the definition of a "mad genius." He was quite insane and took way too many drugs, but he was still able to craft musical masterpieces, including Pink Floyd's first album, Piper at the Gates of Dawn.

19. The Dream Academy

20. The Lumineers

    Name ten contemporary folk albums that you can listen to straight through without skipping a track. Both Lumineers albums will be in that top ten. Simply amazing attention to detail. Check out the KEXP live sessions from them. Amazing artists. Amazingly rugged. Amazingly simple. Amazing.

    Every one of their songs is incredible. I would definitely switch them out with Mumford and Sons.

    The songs and lyrics have a meaning! Music with great lyrics is great music.

21. Gordon Lightfoot

    

    Gordon Meredith Lightfoot Jr. was a Canadian singer-songwriter who achieved international success in folk, folk-rock, and country music. He is credited with helping to define the folk-pop sound of the 1960s and 1970s. His most popular songs include If You Could Read My Mind, Sundown, and The Wreck of... read more

    Absolutely. Move this man WAY up! So underrated, not just his singles, but album cuts like Beautiful, For Lovin' Me, Daylight Katy. He does great covers too (Me and Bobby McGee, Last Thing on My Mind). Great singer and songwriter.

    "The Edmund Fitzgerald" is in my head and I can't get it out! This great singer-songwriter is pure folk rock. He should be at least in the top 5 in this lineup.

    This guy wrote 12 to 15 songs I would call flat-out classics and many other merely good ones. Sadly neglected today.

22. Van Morrison

    

    Sir George Ivan Morrison OBE is a Northern Irish singer, songwriter, instrumentalist, and record producer. In 2016, he was knighted for services to the music industry and to tourism in Northern Ireland. Morrison is known for classic songs such as Brown Eyed Girl and the critically acclaimed album Astral... read more

    Great artist. His music, to me, is kind of a mixture of jazz, rock, and folk. Unbelievable songwriter, and he's been around a long time.

    No! Why isn't Van Morrison in the top ten? Sacrilege!

23. Jeff Buckley

    

    Jeffrey Scott "Jeff" Buckley (November 17, 1966 - May 29, 1997), raised as Scott "Scottie" Moorhead, was an American singer-songwriter and guitarist.

    Buckley was born in Anaheim, California, into a musical family. His mother, Mary Guibert, was a classically trained musician, and his father, Tim... read more

    He should be higher than number 15!

    Grace. What more could you want?

    Beautiful, poetic lyrics, beautiful and accomplished vocals, great guitar, great chords, etc.

24. Joan Baez

    

    Joan Chandos Baez is an American singer, songwriter, musician, and activist whose contemporary folk music often includes themes of protest and social justice. She emerged in the American folk music revival of the early 1960s and became known for her distinctive voice and political activism. Baez has... read more

25. Of Monsters and Men

    

    Of Monsters and Men is a five-member English-language indie folk-pop band from Reykjavík, Iceland, formed in 2010. The band gained international recognition with their debut single Little Talks, which was released in 2011. They have since released several albums and toured worldwide.

    I just can't stop listening to their music. It invokes my very being. When I listen to "Little Talks," "Dirty Paws," "King and Lionheart," and "Mountain Sound," I feel most alive. I treasure everything a bit more after I have listened to their songs. Give them a try. You will not regret it.

    These guys are my favorite band ever! They're so different from normal bands, yet they still have that folk rock feel. Vote for them!

    My top five Of Monsters and Men songs:

    - Mountain Sound

    - Little Talks

    - King and Lionheart

    - Sloom

    - Silhouettes

    Check them out!

26. Jethro Tull

    

    Jethro Tull are a British rock group formed in Luton, Bedfordshire, in December 1967. Initially rooted in blues rock, the band evolved to incorporate elements of British folk music and hard rock, creating a distinctive progressive rock sound. Ian Anderson, the band's frontman, is particularly known for... read more

    Should be number one since they brought the rock aspect a little more than the others. CSN was more easy rock, but I'll take them all in any order. Fabulous, talented band, unlike others mentioned.

    Big fan of Ian Anderson. One of the best bands of the seventies.

27. Brandi Carlile